4 Ways Admins Can Succeed As A Passive Job Seeker

For many administrative professionals, leaving a job you’re comfortable in may not be high on your list of priorities. However, not needing to look doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be open to new opportunities! In fact, since the demand for admin professionals is so high, now is the perfect time to be a passive job seeker.

“As opposed to active job seekers, who may feel pressure to land their next career opportunity quickly, a passive job seeker has the benefit of taking time to find the right fit,” says Lindsay Hildebrandt, a Senior Associate in The Execu|Search Group’s Office Support division. “This means you can take the time to find a company that will allow you to build on your existing skillset, while also providing you with opportunities to grow and branch out.”

In order to conduct a successful passive job search, here are four things administrative professionals should do:

Have a clear idea of what you’re looking for

One of the benefits of being an administrative professional is that your skills are easily transferable across industries. Because of this, an administrative passive job seeker has the luxury of solidifying what they want in their next employer before they even begin their job search. “Since most admins can take their skills anywhere, many prefer to apply to companies or work with executives whose values align with their own,” says Lindsay. “Keeping an open mind about your job search can give you more time to question what you’re really looking for in your next position and how it may fit in with your long-term goals.”

Network

As an administrative professional, you know that first impressions and personality are of critical importance! This is why networking events and meet-up groups can be a great way to connect with prospective employers. “Networking can provide a potential employer with a better picture of how you’ll fit in with the company,” explains Lindsay. “As a passive job seeker, you may feel less pressure to knock every conversation out of the park, which can help you appear more relaxed when forging new connections.”

Reach out to a recruiting firm

Since you have time as a passive job seeker to find the perfect opportunity, reaching out to a recruiter can make a long search worth the wait. “As industry specialists, recruiters possess unique insight into market trends,” explains Lindsay. “Even if you are not actively job seeking, it’s never a bad idea to have a recruiter in your corner. From setting salary expectations to helping you learn new skills, we are here to answer all questions about your career.”

Evaluate your performance

Since you aren’t necessarily pressed for time during a passive job search, you can afford to step back and evaluate what is and isn’t working. After each month of your search, evaluate your progress and see what areas you’re happy with and what you could improve upon. Some things you can ask yourself are:

What are the gaps employers are looking to fill in their team? How can I effectively address those needs?

Am I making meaningful, interpersonal connections with professionals I may potentially work with?

What level of proficiency are companies looking for in necessary computer programs? Am I at that level or do I need to build on those skills?

Once you answer these questions, you’ll be able to implement the changes you need to make in order to get noticed and eventually hired!

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The Execu|Search Group is a leading recruitment, temporary staffing, and workforce management solutions firm with offices throughout the U.S. Whether you're a professional interested in making your next move, or an employer looking to improve your hiring strategy, we're here to help!